For

Against

At a time when many MIDI keyboard manufacturers are keen to emphasise how many controls their hardware has and how easily they automatically map to your software's parameters, the Q25 feels like a refreshing change.

In some ways, it's a throwback to the old days: there are just two assignable controls (mod wheel and a data entry slider), a 5-pin MIDI output as well as a USB one (which can also provide power), and fairly conservative styling.

This isn't to say that the Q25 is an anachronism, though - far from it. The 25 full-size keys are lighter and more playable than those you'll find on some of this keyboard's rivals, and it's a pleasure to have proper pitch and mod wheels. It's a fairly svelte piece of hardware, too.

It might not do a great deal - and multiple key presses are required to change settings - but at this price and with this level of performance, the Q25 fills a niche for those seeking a compact keyboard that they just want to play.

Free plugins. Pro samples. Expert tutorials.

Make amazing music on your Mac or PC with the world's best-selling music software magazine.